Dec. 2, 1:50 pm: In a post to Twitter, Buster Olney says the perception among rival executives is that it’s now much easier to trade R.A. Dickey without a PR backlash now that they’ve signed David Wright.

According to Sullivan, the Rangers want to meet with the Mets regarding Dickey at the Winter Meetings.

The Rangers originally selected Dickey in the 1996 first-year player draft. He went 16-19 with a 5.72 ERA 77 games and 33 starts with the Rangers from 2001-2006. The Rangers sent Dickey to the Minor Leagues in 2005 so he can begin learning to throw a knuckleball.

Michael Baron, Contributor

Dec. 2, 1:50 pm: I don’t think it’s as simple as those rival executives suggest. I think most fans understand the team needs to improve, and trading Dickey – one of the few players with any trade value on the roster – might be that ticket to do so. But while many fans understand that, they still don’t want the team to trade Dickey. The connection he has with the fans is undeniable, and that has significant value as well.

Dec. 2, 9:37 am: If R.A. were to wind up in Texas, his career would officially come full circle. It remains to be seen if the two teams can find a match, and it’s worth noting that Texas reportedly was unwilling to deal top prospect Jurickson Profar (a shortstop) in a deal for Justin Upton. Mike Olt could be an option although he projects more as a corner infielder at this time. No matter what, like I said yesterday about a deal with the Royals for Wil Myers, Texas has to be weary of dealing such young, high ceiling guys for a 38-year-old pitcher.

Previous updates and information on R.A. Dickey...

Contract: The Mets exercised their $5 million option for Dickey for 2013. He can become a free agent after next season.

Stats: Dickey went 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA, having allowed 192 hits and 54 walks with 230 strikeouts in 233 2/3 innings. He became the first Met to win 20 games since Frank Viola in 1990, and won the 2012 National League Cy Young Award.

Reports:

Dec. 1, 2012: In a post to his blog for ESPN, Buster Olney says the Mets have increased their offer to R.A. Dickey, although it is not known if it’s close to what Dickey is seeking.

Nov. 30, 2012: MetsBlog’s Matthew Cerrone said the two sides are considering a meeting in Nashville next week, with all key parties present, at which point the situation could hopefully reach a conclusion, assuming any last minute efforts to trade him fall short. Right now, people in baseball tell Cerrone the Mets can probably lock up Dickey for the next three years at around $25 million.